Cincinnati coach Butch Jones turned down the University of Colorado’s offer to be its head football coach Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, Jones’ name was being associated with the Tennessee opening, according to multiple media reports.

Colorado, meanwhile, immediately turned its attention toward finding a new coach after having struck out with Jones, its number one target from the day it fired Jon Embree.

Athletic director Mike Bohn told The Denver Post, “We competed as hard as any school could (to get Jones). We made a compelling, competitive offer that was extremely well thought out. He and his people were very receptive to everything we did, and both sides were candid throughout the process.

“It was so extremely close. We thought we were really in a good position to get the deal until early (Wednesday) night. Then there was a whole new development.”

That new development was apparently Tennessee moving in to court Jones soon after it was turned down by Louisville coach Charlie Strong.

Bohn wouldn’t identify what happened, other than to say, “When it came down to it, he just couldn’t do it, couldn’t make the final decision to come to Colorado. … There are a lot of things I can’t go into now. But, they should be clear in the next day or so.”

Jones did not talk to the media Thursday. His withdrawal from pursuing the Colorado job was announced by Cincinnati sports information representative Ryan Koslen on Thursday morning. According to Cincinnati media, Jones has called a team meeting for early Friday morning.

Bohn said he’s optimistic about finding a great coach. “We’ve been working on a Plan B in the past week, and we’re sure we will get a coach everybody will be proud of.”

Jones turned down a five-year, $13.5 million offer from CU, which would have made him the highest paid coach in school history. CU also pledged to Jones that it would upgrade Folsom Field, the Dal Ward Athletic Center and the team’s practice facilities.

A source close to the negotiations told The Denver Post on Wednesday afternoon that Jones was ready to take the Colorado job, with only final details to be worked out before an announcement was made. But, the coach denied that report soon after, saying he was still trying to make up his mind.

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